Memory Books to Honor Sgt. Damon Gutzwiller
Memory books in honor of the late Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Sergeant Damon Gutzwiller have been placed in several San Lorenzo Valley locations. The memory books are for the two children of the slain officer, who was ambushed and killed in Ben Lomond.
San Lorenzo Valley residents are invited to leave well wishes, advice, condolences, wisdom, and thoughts for Gutzwiller’s children to have in the future.
“It will matter to them in years to come,” said Les Gardner, who was among those who helped initiate the memorial effort. “We want them to know their father was a hero who will be remembered for his service in our valley.”
Those sentiments were echoed by Felton Fire Chief Robert Gray, whose father, the late Sheriff’s Deputy Mike Gray, was killed while on duty in Felton in 1983. Gray and Gutzwiller are the only Santa Cruz County Sheriff officers who have fallen in the line of duty.
Gray, who was six-years-old when his father was killed, cherishes the cards and memorabilia given to him after his father’s death. He keeps them next to his bed and looks at them often. “It helps to know the community respected him,” Gray said. The memory books for Gutzwiller’s children are certain to be cherished when they’re older. “I’m glad the community is doing this. It will mean so much to them.
”The memory books can be found at the following locations in San Lorenzo Valley:
- Liberty Bank in Felton and Boulder Creek
- Scarborough Ace Hardware in Ben Lomond
- Felton Fire Department
An account for the children has also been established at Liberty Bank. Contributions are encouraged and may be made at the Felton and Boulder Creek bank branches.
The memorial effort is organized and supported by: Les and Nancy Gardner, Robin Musitelli, Leslie Steiner, Bob Locatelli, Nancy Macy, George Wylie, Judy Anderson, Lynn Robinson, Bruce and Mary McPherson, Mark Stone, Ron and Cyndi Sekkel, Bob Gray, Jim and Michelle Mosher, Chris Finnie, and Laura Testa-Reyes.
Photo courtesy of Kevin Painchaud
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